Camp Counselor job description template
Camp counselors lead a group of campers through the day, from activities and meals to transitions and plenty of encouragement, while keeping everyone safe. The best posts give exact season dates, say whether it's a day or overnight camp, and list the activities counselors will lead, since applicants compare several camps at once.
Camp Counselor
TemporaryYour Company is hiring camp counselors for the summer season. You'll lead a cabin or group of campers through games, arts and crafts, sports, swimming and outdoor adventures, and help every camper feel included. Expect long, active days, lots of laughter and a team of counselors who support each other. We provide paid pre-camp training, so no previous camp job is required.
What you’ll do
- Supervise your assigned group of campers and know where each one is at all times
- Lead activities such as games, crafts, sports, nature walks and songs
- Help campers with sunscreen, water breaks, meals and getting to the next activity on time
- Encourage shy or homesick campers and help them make friends
- Follow camp safety rules for swimming, field trips, weather and emergencies
- Resolve small conflicts between campers and report bigger concerns to camp leadership
- Run check-in and pickup, and set up and clean up activity areas
- Attend pre-camp training and daily staff check-ins
What we’re looking for
- Must meet our state's minimum age requirement for this role
- Experience with children, such as babysitting, coaching, tutoring or volunteering
- Willing to complete a background check before camp begins
- Available for the full camp season, including the pre-camp training week
- Able to spend long days outdoors, walk between activity areas and join in active games
- CPR and First Aid certification, or willing to complete it during staff training
Nice to have
- Lifeguard certification for waterfront or pool duty
- Skills you can teach, such as archery, music, art, drama or a sport
- Previous experience working at a day or overnight camp
Schedule
Full days during the camp season, typically Monday through Friday for day camp. Overnight sessions include evenings and scheduled time off.
What we offer
- Paid staff training week before campers arrive
- Meals on camp days and free staff T-shirts
- A reference letter for strong counselors at the end of the season
- Priority rehire for next summer
Add your pay, location and schedule when you post. Jobs that show pay get noticeably more applicants.
Camp Counselor our company is hiring camp counselors for the summer season. You'll lead a cabin or group of campers through games, arts and crafts, sports, swimming and outdoor adventures, and help every camper feel included. Expect long, active days, lots of laughter and a team of counselors who support each other. We provide paid pre-camp training, so no previous camp job is required. What you’ll do • Supervise your assigned group of campers and know where each one is at all times • Lead activities such as games, crafts, sports, nature walks and songs • Help campers with sunscreen, water breaks, meals and getting to the next activity on time • Encourage shy or homesick campers and help them make friends • Follow camp safety rules for swimming, field trips, weather and emergencies • Resolve small conflicts between campers and report bigger concerns to camp leadership • Run check-in and pickup, and set up and clean up activity areas • Attend pre-camp training and daily staff check-ins What we’re looking for • Must meet our state's minimum age requirement for this role • Experience with children, such as babysitting, coaching, tutoring or volunteering • Willing to complete a background check before camp begins • Available for the full camp season, including the pre-camp training week • Able to spend long days outdoors, walk between activity areas and join in active games • CPR and First Aid certification, or willing to complete it during staff training Nice to have • Lifeguard certification for waterfront or pool duty • Skills you can teach, such as archery, music, art, drama or a sport • Previous experience working at a day or overnight camp Schedule Full days during the camp season, typically Monday through Friday for day camp. Overnight sessions include evenings and scheduled time off. What we offer • Paid staff training week before campers arrive • Meals on camp days and free staff T-shirts • A reference letter for strong counselors at the end of the season • Priority rehire for next summer
Screening questions for a camp counselor
Ask these on the application form to sort applicants quickly. They’re added automatically when you post this template.
- Are you available for the full camp season, including the staff training week before campers arrive?Yes / No · required
- What experience do you have working with children or leading groups of kids?Short answer · required
- What activity, game or skill would you love to lead at camp, and how would you run it?Paragraph
Camp Counselor interview questions
- A camper is homesick and crying at lunch on the first day. What do you do?
- How would you get a group of campers excited about an activity they say is boring?
- Two campers keep arguing during a game. How do you handle it?
- You're leading a hike and notice a camper is missing from the group. Walk me through your next steps.
- What songs, games or activities could you lead with no supplies at all?
- How would you include a camper who keeps sitting out of group activities?
- How do you stay patient and upbeat through a long, hot week of camp?
Tips for hiring a camp counselor
- Start recruiting in winter. Strong counselors often commit to a summer job months in advance.
- Run background checks and call references for every counselor, including returning staff, and follow your state's camp licensing rules.
- Hold a group interview with a few games and a quick scenario. You'll see who naturally jumps in and includes others.
- Plan a full staff training before campers arrive, covering supervision, emergencies, behavior and how to report concerns.